Abstract
This study aimed to highlight nutritional status, dietary habits and sedentary patterns among university students in Khartoum state, Sudan. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 400 university students (183 males and 217 females) from University of Khartoum, Sudan. A pre-validated self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was used to determine obesity status. Of the students, 20.5, 14.7, and 1.7% were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. The majority of students (85.5%) consumed breakfast daily. About 45 and 21.8% of students consumed vegetables and fruit, respectively, on more than 3days a week. Fast food was consumed significantly more (p<0.01) for more than 3days per week by females (44.2%) than males (27.3%). Females (42.9%) were more likely to watch television for 3h and more per day than males (30.6%) (p<0.039). Males (33.9%) were more prone to sleep for fewer than 7h per day than females (23%) (p<0.016). The health authority in Sudan should not only focus on prevention of malnutrition among children but also should organize programs to promote healthy eating and lifestyle among children and youths to prevent and control alarming risk factors for chronic diseases.
Highlights
Most developing countries have experienced nutrition transition, which is characterized by marked socio-economic transformation over the past decades
The level of physical activity in these countries has decreased and sedentary behaviors have risen. This may contribute to the occurrence of obesity and other chronic diseases [3]
The current survey indicates an alarming prevalence of overweight, unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviors among young people in urban areas of Sudan
Summary
Most developing countries have experienced nutrition transition, which is characterized by marked socio-economic transformation over the past decades. Such transition has led to great changes in food consumption and lifestyle patterns [1]. Even in poor countries such as Sudan (based on the World Bank criteria), it was indicated that there are changes in urban areas in the past decade toward westernized lifestyle patterns and dietary habits, especially among middle and high socio-economic classes [2]. The level of physical activity in these countries has decreased and sedentary behaviors have risen. This may contribute to the occurrence of obesity and other chronic diseases [3]
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